Current events

This week, there was a real chance to take important steps toward ending the war – if only Vladimir Putin hadn’t been afraid to come to Türkiye. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy made this statement during his address at the plenary session of the sixth European Political Community Summit in Tirana, Albania.

In Ankara, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with President of the Republic of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan one-on-one and in an extended format.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone call with President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to discuss strategic cooperation and plans for the coming days.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented state awards to the Heroes of Ukraine and handed the Orders of the Golden Star to the families of fallen warriors.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Pope Leo XIV on his election to the See of Saint Peter and thanked him for the support of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. The President expressed gratitude for the words of His Holiness during the first Sunday Blessing in St. Peter's Square about the need to achieve a just, true, and lasting peace for Ukraine and the release of prisoners.

The leaders discussed the outcomes of the first five-party meeting in the United Europe in Ukraine format and the Coalition of the Willing meeting, including the implementation of the decision to launch a full, unconditional ceasefire starting May 12 for at least 30 days.

At St. Sophia’s Cathedral, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Keir Starmer held a bilateral meeting.

The leaders visited the Wall of Remembrance on Mykhailivska Square, laid flowers, and honored the memory of the fallen Ukrainian warriors. Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer paid tribute to the heroism and courage of Ukrainians who gave their lives in the fight against Russian aggression.

“We all have just spoken with President Trump, and we agreed on our shared vision and our further actions. A full and unconditional ceasefire is urgently needed. Accountability for any refusal is essential. Under such a ceasefire, we will be able to jointly agree on the foundations for peace,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.